Got to Be There - Exodus 18 - Man in the Mirror
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, a priest among the Midianites, arrives to bring Moses’ wife and children to join the Israelites. While visiting he sees the immense pressure Moses is under as prophet and judiciary to the people and advises him to pick trustworthy men to act as judges amongst the people to relieve some of the strain of leadership. A word of advice is always welcome when it comes from a sincere heart.
Got to Be There - Exodus 17.8-16 - Thriller
As the Israelites only begin to get their bearings in the wilderness an opportunistic army of raiders descends upon them. The Amalekites seeks to take advantage of these recent refugees but run into the hands of the Living God. As Moses holds his staff high, Joshua leads the battle below, a picture of sovereignty and human will working in perfect form. The Lord is their Banner and they rally under Him.
Got to Be There - Exodus 15-17 - Keep the Faith
Being hangry is when blood sugar drops and begins to impair brain function, triggering a hormonal response that results in anxiety, irritability, and tension. This hangriness for about a million people results in grumbling and threats of violence. Salvation did not result in an immediate satisfaction of all stressors, but situations in which they could turn their anxieties towards God, and He would provide.
Got To Be There - Exodus 13-15 - Beat it
Caught between the waters of the Red Sea and the sea of Pharaoh’s oncoming chariots, the newly freed people of Israel become afraid. God speaks through Moses, do not fear, but trust in Him. As the waters part to let them pass, then soon to swallow the chariots, the people turn from fear to faith to praise. Here is our God, wondrous and mighty, here is our deliverer, savior, and Lord.
Got To Be There - Exodus 11-13.16 - Remember the Time
As Pharoah has commanded the death of every male Israelite, God has cast judgment on Egypt and has proclaimed that every firstborn should die in one night. Yet our God is as merciful as He is righteous and offers a substitutionary atonement, if one would pain the doorpost of their home with the blood of an unblemished lamb, they would be spared. So God displays His power, and His intent, to redeem us through the blood.
Got To Be There - Exodus 7-10 - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
10 Plagues are cast upon Egypt as a form of God’s judgment is manifested. Each one speaks out against the Egyptian pantheon and their lifelessness in the midst of the fury of the living God. God is not without mercy. Each plague is an opportunity to repent, to become part of His kingdom, and to be delivered from their sin by the blood of the lamb.
Got to Be There - Exodus 3-5 - Wanna Be Startin Something
Moses enters the wilderness after attempting to deliver an Israelite by the might of his hand and the rage of his own anger. 40 years of the life of a humble shepherd and God chooses now to call out to him after getting his attention through a bush that burns but is not consumed. Moses responds to this call with 5 excuses, similar to ones we often us ourselves when He calls upon us.
Got to Be There - Exodus 1 & 2 - Dangerous
Through the trials and blessings of Joseph, the Hebrew people are able to settle in Egypt for a time of incubation. As they grow in number and strength, and as a new king, who does not remember Joseph, comes into power, they now find themselves oppressed, enslaved, and under genocidal rule in quick order. God is not distant, but hears the cries of His people and delivers them through the faithfulness of women.
Prayer Alters - Luke 18.9-14 - Just What I Needed
Two people come before the Lord in prayer in this parable. One a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. Their prayers, positions, and works define them as we get a glimpse of their hearts into both true humility and self-righteousness. As we finish this short series on prayers that change, let us remember that our hearts determine our position before God. Proud and brought low, or humble and lifted up.
Prayer Alters - Psalm 73 - You Might Think
When we see how evil prospers and the righteous suffer our hearts can easily fall into envy, bitterness, and even so far as to doubt the goodness or existence of our God. One of the most notable performers in the Old Testament, Asaph prays this psalm, bearing his struggle before God and seeking to discern truth. When we bear ourselves before God, even our struggles, He hears, has compassion, and works fully in our lives.
Prayer Alters - 2 Kings 19&20 - You're All I've Got Tonight
Hezekiah is not the smartest king, but he is one of the most faithful kings in all of Judah. Taking the throne at 25 years old Hezekiah had all the pagan alters torn down and even destroyed the bronze snake of Moses as people began to worship it. He reopened and had the Temple cleansed and the Levitical priesthood restored. This week we will see how in times of crisis he cried out to God, and how God answers us in our own crises.
Prayer Alters - 1 Samuel 1.11 - My Best Friend's Girl
Hannah cries out from the depths of grief, isolation, and desperation to the Lord for a child. She is tormented by a vicious rival, betrayed by her own body, and mistaken for a drunkard on the steps of the tabernacle. Still she trusts in the God who sees, the God who meets our every need, and asks of Him for a child. She is a servant of the Lord and is willing to return to this child to the service of the Lord from which he came.
Prayer Alters - 1 Chronicles 4.9-10 - Let the Good Times Roll
In the midst of a list of names that pays special attention to the tribe of Judah there is a single mention of a man named Jabez, who calls out to God in prayer. A prayer that seemed to alter the course of his life, a prayer heard and answered by God. What we discuss this week is not a formula for prayer, or some secret wording that unlocks the blessings of the universe. But a sincere prayer, by a righteous man, whom God answered.
Revelation 21-22 - Open Arms
As the victory of Christ solidifies, this fallen earth cannot hold the immense glory of God. A new heaven and earth is created, with the presence of God dwelling amongst His people. No longer separated by sin, by temple, or by physicality, we dwell with God forever. What is our response to this weighty book filled with symbolism and future events? How then shall we live? Let us welcome this kingdom as we pray: Come Lord Jesus.
Revelation 18-20 - Can't Tame the Lion
After outlining the enemies of God we now turn toward their judgment and retribution. The arrival of Christ comes not quietly in a humble baby laid in a manger, but with a shout and cry, with a great trumpet and triumph as He descends and brings judgment upon Babylon, the Bests, Satan, and even Humanity. How shall we stand before the sword of the Lord? By the blood of the Lord, which write our name in the Book of Life.
Revelation 12-14; 17 - After the Fall
Enemies of God abound in the book of Revelation as God uses even their malice for His glory. In mockery of God and His creation, Satan seeks to create an unholy trinity, to coerce, lure, and even violently threaten people to turn away from the Living God. The Anti-Christ, the False Prophet, and the pinnacle of human sin: Babylon, work to submit and destroy humanity. How then shall we stand against such foes? With God, and God alone.
Revelation 7,10-14,16 - The Party's Over
The book of Revelation is about judgment, but isn’t all about judgment. There are moments between the scrolls, trumpets, and bowls that gives us brief interludes of events transpiring both in heaven and on earth. These are not to meant to fill us with dread, but rather have firm assurance in the power and will of God that is coming about in these last days. God brings assurance in these interludes, to affirm His faithful ones.
Revelation 6, 8, 9, 16 - Chain Reaction
Scrolls, Trumpets, and Bowls are judgments that fall upon the earth. While it is easy to see the pain, suffering, and despair that arises out of such judgment, we must also see amidst the destruction, the Creator and Redeemer and Spirit, who still show patience and mercy in their judgment. Though the end is near, there is still time to repent and be saved, and Revelation stands as a testimony to God’s goodness, even as He pours out His wrath.
Revelation 5 - Wheel in the Sky pt 2
We remain in the heavenly throne room as our first conflict arises, a sealed scrolls rests in the hand of God but no one is worthy to open it. As sin itself has corrupted not only man, but the entirety of creation, God’s word is locked away with no one able to fulfill it. This feeling of helplessness is not entirely alien to us. Overwhelming odds, bad news on every station, and everything good just out of reach. Who is the one who can open this scroll?
Revelation 4 - Wheel in the Sky pt 1
As we conclude the letters to the 7 churches, John’s vision now is cast into heaven and upon the throne of God. Here we are bombarded with colors, creatures, and kings, each with their own dazzling descriptions, but also ones we have heard before. Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah have also been granted visions of the throne room of God, granting us a pictures of God’s power, authority, majesty, and consistency. He is, He was, He forever will be.
Revelation 7.15-22 - Any Way You Want It\
Reading the Bible requires a level of context for complete understanding. What is natural for us is to interpret the word according to our own experiences and understanding. Generations of culture, history, and language are built into the Bible. Is hot water good and cold bad? Is Jesus knocking an evangelistic calling? Let’s unravel these often misunderstood text by looking at the context and applying God’s truth to our lives.
Revelation 3.7-14 - Opened the Door
Doors are means by which we control the space around us and choose who is allowed to occupy that space with us. When a door is open it invites, when closed it restricts. Christ is the door, the means by which we have access to heaven. Christ asks that we come to Him and He will welcome us into His Father’s house. But woe to him who seeks to bar that passage and falsely claim the authority to do so.
Revelation 3.1-6 - Stone in Love
In 546BC, the city of Sardis was surrounded by an impenetrable wall, protecting the city and it’s inhabitants. But Cyrus the great was able to capture the acropolis after sending spies to scale a secret undefended path. With no watchmen to patrol and guard against enemies, the city fell to its enemies. We are also just as vulnerable if we don’t’ keep watch.
Revelation 2.18-29 - Separate Ways
The longest letter goes to the church we know the least about. Yet the text speaks plainly for itself. As opposed to Ephesus, the church in Thyatira was rich in love, but they lacked the proper theology to rebuke a false-prophetess that was destroying their church by twisting doctrine towards selfish and evil ends. Jesus speaks, the church must listen.
Revelation 2.12-17 - The Party's Over
Being in the world but not of it poses the challenge of the world constantly demanding we conform to it. The world demands we conform to it’s morality, it’s indulgences, it’s present and pressing issues. But our eyes cannot be what only is around us, they must be set on what is before us, our Lord Jesus, and the truth of His Word.
Revelation 2.8-11 - Don't Stop Believin'
Just 30 miles north of Ephesus the letter now turns to the city of Smyrna. Rebuilt buy Alexander the Great, it is known for its gymnasium and theater, as well as its deep dies to the Imperial Cult. The church in Smyrna is one of two church letters not to receive a reproof. Instead they are powerfully encouraged to endure in the face of persecution.
Revelation 2.1-7 - A Message of Love
The first letter of the book of Revelation is directed towards the church of Ephesus. A “Free City”, Ephesus is not constrained by the Roman government or the Imperial Cult. Instead Ephesus has their own god, a version of Athena that promotes lewd living and excess. The church stands strong against this and other heresies, but at what cost?
Revelation 1.1-20 - The Journey (Revelation)
As we enter into the book of Revelation we must hold to the purpose of the letter, to encourage the church through troubled times that God is in control. Whatever may assail us or this world, God will bring about a right and good end for those who believe upon Him and call upon His name.
John 3.16 - Eternal Life
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
~John 3.16
Matthew 21.1-22 - Planet Caravan
After the raising of Lazarus has put both the people and the Sanhedrin into a frenzy of anticipation and animosity respectively, Jesus enters Jerusalem. There are palms and praises; driving out thieves and welcoming in children at the temple, and an unfortunate fig tree that serves as the representation of Israel’s spiritual state.
John 11.1-53 - Electric Funeral
Death is the natural consequences of sin. Yet death is an immensely unnatural event. It is not right that beings made in the image of the God of life should perish. But that’s what sin does, it separates us from the Father in rebellion against Him and brings about death. Thanks be to God who has provided victory over death and binds us to the Father.
Acts 28.330-31 - It's A Wrap
As the book of the Acts of the Apostles comes to a close, we are left on an odd note. There’s no resolution, no final court-case confrontation, no repetition of moral. What we have is Paul finally in Rome and still proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, an odd ending, but definitely the right one.
Acts 28.17-28 - Listen Before I Go
While in house arrest in Rome, Paul reaches out to the Jewish leadership to proclaim to them the “hope of Israel”, who is Jesus. After hearing him teach they are divided amongst themselves. Some are persuaded but others inflamed at this Gospel proclamation. The Gospel that binds us to God often also divides us from others.
Acts 28.11-16 - Coming Home
This official journey to Rome began 5 months ago. After a slow start, storm throws them into open waters for 2 weeks. After crashing on Malta they must stay through the season, until sailing such waters is safe again. Surrounded by prisoners, soldiers, sailors, and barbarians, Paul and company finally see friendly faces of fellow believers in Christ.
Acts 28.1-10 - Barbarian
All 276 people aboard the shipwrecked boat survive, just as God had spoken, and they find safety on the Isle of Malta. Populated by “barbaroi” or “Barbarians”, they receive unusual kindness from a people conquered and ridiculed by the Roman world. This safety is soon interrupted by a venomous viper that bites into Paul’s hand.
Acts 27.1-44 - Come Sail Away
The journey to Rome takes to the seas and encounters troubled waters along the way. From dead winds to week-long storms, the ship and its crew struggles to hold together their vessel and sanity. Yet Paul brings light and truth during this time and is able to bring hope to a people afraid and at the whim of the sea.
Acts 26.1-32 - A Dead Man's Words
As Paul begins his defense against Herod the Great’s great-grandson, he makes his appeal based on Moses and the Prophets, who speak of the Christ, on how He must suffer, on His resurrection, and on His mission to bring light to the Jews and Gentiles. Let us join in this passionate discourse and discover what might move the heart of the final Herod.
Acts 25.1-27 - ...And Justice For All
The charges brought against Paul are insufficient, but being released from Roman captivity will only return him to Jerusalem and into the authority of those seeking his life. As long as he remains “detained” Paul is both protected and on the road to Rome. As Paul suffers injustice, he relies completely on God and God’s justice to exonerate him.
